Here’s What Boosted Verona Pharma plc (VRNA) Share Price by 49%

Core Insights - TimesSquare Capital Management reported a gross return of 11.28% and a net return of 11.02% for its "U.S. Small Cap Growth Strategy" in Q2 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Growth Index which returned 11.97% [1] - The fund's performance was driven by double-digit returns in equities as global economic activity improved [1] Company Highlights - Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for respiratory diseases, particularly its prescription medication Ohtuvayre for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [3] - Verona Pharma's stock experienced a one-month return of 1.07% and a remarkable 257.29% increase over the last 52 weeks, closing at $106.40 per share with a market capitalization of $9.042 billion on September 11, 2025 [2] - The launch of Ohtuvayre has exceeded expectations, contributing to a 49% increase in share price [3] Market Sentiment - Verona Pharma's stock has jumped 125% year-to-date, although it is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 59 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, up from 51 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite the potential of Verona Pharma, the company is compared unfavorably to certain AI stocks that are perceived to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]